Members of Coleambally Can Assist have rejoiced following an announcement by the federal government that a new radiation therapy service center will be built in Griffith. The Griffith service centre will be one of 13 similar new centres built around Australia. The new centres are promised through the Coalition's 2019 federal budget and have come following a campaign by the Radiation Therapy Advisory Group. Coleambally Can Assist president Sue Hardy said she is keen for the new centre and the prospects it offers for reducing travel and accommodation expenses for people suffering from cancer. "I think it's a great idea for all the region around Griffith especially on the western side, people from Hay and even out further won't have to drive seven hours to Wagga Wagga," Ms Hardy said. "We also have residents travelling to Albury, Sydney and Melbourne and with the accommodation required for local residents and residents living west of Griffith the new centre will be a great benefit." According to Ms Hardy most of the money spent by Can Assist goes towards covering the travel and accommodation expenses facing residents. With the charity currently supporting 11 people suffering from cancer in Coleambally, Ms Hardy said she is hoping to be able to increasingly cover resident's medical bills, rather than paying for petrol of accommodation. Ms Hardy said she would also be glad to see an accommodation service arrive in Griffith, specifically for people receiving treatment for cancer. "My only concern is with a local treatment centre is the quality," Ms Hardy said. "I do know now a lot of people if they have to have an MRI or cat scan and breast screens they prefer to go Wagga, a lot of people do because the machines in Griffith just aren't as strong. "When it comes to your health they would put it as a priority and would travel to Wagga," Ms Hardy said. All readers are able to sign up for our breaking news updates, while subscribers to The Observer will have exclusive access to our weekly editor's wrap newsletter. Sign up here.

Closer cancer services to have big impact for Coly Residents

Mum-of-four: Joel Spencer is one week into radiation therapy in Wagga, and knows this announcement will have a huge impact in Griffith. PHOTO: Anthony Stipo

Members of Coleambally Can Assist have rejoiced following an announcement by the federal government that a new radiation therapy service center will be built in Griffith.

The Griffith service centre will be one of 13 similar new centres built around Australia.

The new centres are promised through the Coalition's 2019 federal budget and have come following a campaign by the Radiation Therapy Advisory Group.

Coleambally Can Assist president Sue Hardy said she is keen for the new centre and the prospects it offers for reducing travel and accommodation expenses for people suffering from cancer.

"I think it's a great idea for all the region around Griffith especially on the western side, people from Hay and even out further won't have to drive seven hours to Wagga Wagga," Ms Hardy said.

"We also have residents travelling to Albury, Sydney and Melbourne and with the accommodation required for local residents and residents living west of Griffith the new centre will be a great benefit."

According to Ms Hardy most of the money spent by Can Assist goes towards covering the travel and accommodation expenses facing residents.

With the charity currently supporting 11 people suffering from cancer in Coleambally, Ms Hardy said she is hoping to be able to increasingly cover resident's medical bills, rather than paying for petrol of accommodation.

Ms Hardy said she would also be glad to see an accommodation service arrive in Griffith, specifically for people receiving treatment for cancer.

"My only concern is with a local treatment centre is the quality," Ms Hardy said.

"I do know now a lot of people if they have to have an MRI or cat scan and breast screens they prefer to go Wagga, a lot of people do because the machines in Griffith just aren't as strong.

"When it comes to your health they would put it as a priority and would travel to Wagga," Ms Hardy said.

All readers are able to sign up for our breaking news updates, while subscribers to The Observer will have exclusive access to our weekly editor's wrap newsletter. Sign up here.